Bible Commentaries

After the general movement of this book of the Psalter which has brought us in thought to the ultimate realisation of worship, and before the final psalms of perfected praise, we now have a section (Psalms 135:1-21; Psalms 136:1-26; Psalms 137:1-9; Psalms 138:1-8; Psalms 139:1-24; Psalms 140:1-13; Psalms 141:1-10; Psalms 142:1-7; Psalms 143:1-12; Psalms 144:1-15) in which are contained songs of experience, and inspiration of which is in the conceptions of Jehovah and the way of approach to Him, which the former songs have set forth.

This first of the series is a pure song of praise. It opens with a call to the priests as the representatives of the people to praise (vv. Psalms 135:1-2). It proceeds to set forth the reasons for this praise (vv. Psalms 135:3-18). The first is that of what He is in Himself, and the fact that He has chosen His people (vv. Psalms 135:3-5). The second is that of His creative might (vv. Psalms 135:6-7). The third is that of His deliverance of His people from bondage (vv. Psalms 135:8-9). The fourth is that of His giving them a land (vv. Psalms 135:10-12). The fifth is that of His faithfulness (v. Psalms 135:13). The sixth is that of His sure judgment and consequent return to His servants (v. Psalms 135:14). The seventh is that of His superiority as the Living One over all the false and dead idols of the nations (vv.psa 135:15-18). Finally the song is an appeal to nation, priests, and Levites to unite in praise.